The Yucatan asteroid is an epic example of the sheer randomness which, as Sean B. Carroll argues in this short but thought-provoking book, rules both the universe and our own lives. He claims that the dinosaurs would not have been wiped out if the Yucatan asteroid had hit Earth 30 minutes later (stock image)The Beagle’s first captain had committed suicide. There are always chance variations in individuals of a given species. What if, Darwin thought, certain chance variations proved favourable to the individual? More likely to quote Monty Python than Richard Dawkins, he proves an excellent guide through this accidental universe.

Source: Daily Mail October 29, 2020 22:05 UTC